Hamilton could lose title on 'freak incidents'

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is not allowing himself to think about the celebrations if Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton win the constructors' and drivers' championship as he is wary that "freak incidents" such as DNFs and crashes could potentially turn things back Ferrari's way.

With four races to go in both championships, Mercedes lead Ferrari by 78 points and Hamilton leads Sebastian Vettel by 67 points, and although it is still mathematically possible for the Scuderia to rally and win the title, it would take a monumental shift in points.

However, Wolff is still thinking of these scenarios, and is taking nothing for granted.

“The freak incidents happen everywhere,” the Mercedes team principal said.

“A DNF and the consequent bad result suddenly wipes off a large chunk of your points. I know from the probable standpoint it doesn’t look likely, but this is motor racing, it’s a sport, anything could happen.

???? F1 2017 AFTER 17 RACES ????

HAM: 331 points...
VET: 265 points...

???? F1 2018 AFTER 17 RACES ????

HAM: 331 points...
VET: 264 points...#JapaneseGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/F9W8Hvgnts — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 9 October 2018

“I don’t want to even think about him [Hamilton] breaking a finger.

“Anything can happen in motor racing. I don’t want to dwell too much about it, because this is bad karma too, so let’s just get it done — let’s go to Austin, let’s have a strong race weekend and then hopefully see the championship.”

“Every race we are lucky enough to be in the lead, we need to decide who goes onto the podium.

The four races remaining on the F1 calendar are in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Abu Dhabi.

MORE: Vettel's new book: 'How to lose a world championship'
MORE: Hamilton demands respect for Vettel